Accessibility Links

Row flares up over tobacco packaging

A CAMPAIGN launched by Philip Morris International (PMI) to expose the illicit tobacco trade in Scotland has exaggerated the scale of the problem, it has been claimed.

ASH Scotland, an anti-smoking lobby group, accused the American tobacco giant last week of attempting to derail measures proposed by the Scottish government to reduce smoking.

Over the past year, a former Scotland Yard detective hired by PMI has claimed the black market trade, controlled by organised criminal gangs, is booming in some Scottish towns and cities.

PMI has privately warned Michael Matheson, public health minister, that plans to introduce plain packs in Scotland will exacerbate the problem as they are easier to fake and will continue to make smoking affordable for poorer people and children.